China inaugurated the world's longest cross-sea bridge on Thursday as part of its effort to boost economic integration and development in the Yangtze River Delta.
Hundreds of people attended the opening ceremony for the 36-kilometer bridge spanning Hangzhou Bay near Shanghai on Thursday afternoon. It was held in the middle of the bridge.
Zhao Hongzhu, secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, declared the opening of the bridge at 3:40 p.m., followed by ceremonial fireworks.
Tens of thousands of local residents gathered on both banks of the bay, many of whom performed dragon dances in traditional costume to celebrate the span's opening.
